Why must we tolerate election campaigns that are so underwhelming in their mediocrity?
The current one is a woeful example of predictability – even more contrived and manipulative than previous shockers.
The two major party leaders, Messrs Albanese and Dutton, appear to be terrified of slipping up. They have become so unnatural that they look like robot impersonators, complete with AI narratives.
And so, born of fear, the modern political being has evolved – stereotyped, stage managed, highly scripted and trained to stay strictly on-message – and to appear statesmanlike.
And yet, we are expected to believe that these characters are really very human after all. You know, regular knock-about blokes we would find on building sites wearing hard hats and high-vis, or sticking snags on barbies, or kicking footballs, or other things that we common folk do.
Would a prime minister be playing with young kids at a childcare centre if there were no media cameras around? If he was, we could have a problem!
We all know that the reason for this blatant charade is the media with its intense scrutiny.
Even the slightest hiccups or mistakes are bound to hit TV news and get blown out of all proportion. No slip ups or gaffes or it’s trial by media and possibly political death by a thousand news bites.
Steely straight jackets are the order of the day. No natural, engaging personalities allowed here – let alone spontaneity – perish the thought! Being adventurous is just too risky for modern pollies.
To be a nation proud of its expansive, imaginative, and progressive thinking would be wonderful, but it’s not possible given the present status quo.
Oh, for a dare-devil leader brimming with charisma and flamboyance (and intellect), to lead Australia out of the quagmire of mediocrity that besets us.
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